It’s time for the first-ever “Diva Awards” on this blog!
This will be an annual occurrence in which I will award the best beauty product in each category (in my estimation) for the preceding year.
Let’s get started! 😀
BEST HIGH-END FOUNDATION goes to…
Lancome “Teint Visionnaire Skin Correcting Makeup Duo”!
This foundation is truly all-in-one — and universally flattering. Not only does it contain sunscreen (SPF 20) but also a concealer underneath the cap. The color-correcting qualities of this foundation are extraordinary, with the power to cancel redness and scarring like a dream. It’s deliciously creamy on the face and provides moisture to dry/mature skin. While some might fear it would appear greasy on oily skin, this is simply not the case. Instead, it offers a healthy glow instead of a greasy sheen. An incredible product! Worth every penny. See my full review here.
BEST DRUGSTORE FOUNDATION goes to…
CoverGirl’s “Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 Foundation”!
The name of this foundation is apt. It outlasts my energy each day and looks flawless late into the evening. This should be a staple in a working woman’s makeup kit, or anyone who dislikes having to touch up throughout the day. It also contains SPF 20 — always a plus! Full review can be found here.
BEST HIGH-END POWDER FOUNDATION goes to…
Bare Minerals!
Not only is this foundation very gentle on the face (particularly for acne sufferers), but also furnishes a perfect finish which always looks natural. Coverage is buildable — entirely dependent upon how much foundation you apply. It contains SPF 15 as well. You can’t go wrong with this one!
BEST DRUGSTORE POWDER goes to…
Physician’s Formula “Mineral Wear Talc-Free Face Powder”!
Although I have not formally reviewed this product, it has been a staple of mine for years. The finish is beautiful (never cakey), and it furnishes SPF 15. It’s ideal to set foundation which doesn’t contain sunscreen. The “mineral” component also ensures that this product is not irritating on the face.
BEST TRANSLUCENT POWDER goes to…
“Coty Airspun” Powder in the shade, “Translucent”!
This product definitely doesn’t receive all the hype it deserves. Sadly, most people don’t even know it exists! It bestowed a doll-like complexion upon the 1950’s film stars, and it can do the same for you. It’s also a miracle for controlling oil, keeping the face shine-free late into the day. See my full review here.
BEST LARGE EYESHADOW PALETTE goes to…
Urban Decay “Naked 3” palette!
Packed with rose-gold goodness, this palette is heavenly. The shadows are buttery smooth and uber-pigmented! These neutrals are stunning — and oh-so-romantic! — for work, church, or an evening out. See my review here.
BEST SMALL EYESHADOW PALETTE goes to…
LORAC “Pro-to-Go” palette!
Complete with 6 pigmented and versatile shadows, two blushes, and a bronzer, this little palette is a win-win. Don’t leave on a trip without this gem tucked into your travel bag! Review here.
BEST UNDER EYE CONCEALER goes to…
Maybelline “Age Rewind” concealer!
This non-creasing concealer comes with a soft sponge tip which is ideal for applying concealer beneath the eye for brightening. I usually employ the shade, “Brightener,” on regular days and the yellow-based shade, “Neutralizer,” on days when my dark circles make me resemble a raccoon. 😂😂😂
BEST EYELINER PENCIL goes to…
Bobbi Brown “Long Wear Eye Pencil”!
This pencil provides all beauty of Bobbi’s gel eyeliner formula without its tendency to dry out. The pigment dispenses smoothly along the lash line. The formula is easy to work with, so much so that I’ve even winged the liner to create a lovely “cat eye.”
BEST GEL EYELINER goes to…
L’Oreal “Infallible 24 Hour Gel Lacquer Liner”!
Before discovering this product, Bobbi Brown’s award-winning gel liner was my favorite. The L’Oreal version, however, stole my heart. This formula is smoother than the Bobbi Brown liner, more pigmented, doesn’t dry out nearly as quickly — with a lower price tag! Perfect for creating those sultry “cat eyes” 😉
BEST HIGH-END MASCARA goes to…
Too Faced’s “Better than Sex” Mascara!
This mascara bestows bombshell lashes in a single coat, reminiscent of false lashes. It also provides extraordinary length and definition as well. See my review here.
BEST DRUGSTORE MASCARA goes to…
L’Oreal “Voluminous Million Lashes Excess”!
This mascara is the cheaper version of “Better than Sex.” I’ve tried several drugstore mascaras, including the fabled orange tube from Covergirl. None have rivaled their high-end counterparts…until I found this one. Read my full review here.
BEST BLUSH goes to…
Bobbi Brown!
These blushes are totally matte and provide a dainty dash of color to the cheeks. It’s the perfect everyday blush, perfect for any occasion. There’s a reason that all the Bobbi Brown models appear so ladylike; the blushes make them looks like dolls. My favorite shades include “Pale Pink,” “Apricot”, and “Sand Pink.” Here’s my review for “Pale Pink,” which Kate Middleton wore on her wedding day.
BEST BRONZER goes to…
It Cosmetics’ “My Sculpted Faced” palette!
This palette has everything you need for contouring. It contains 4 different shades of bronzer, none of which pull orange and all of which mimic the natural shadows of our face angles. I use this palette every day for contouring. Plus, it also contains a highlighter as well as a matte white shade, which could be used as an eyeshadow base color.
BEST HIGHLIGHTER goes to…
Bobbi Brown “Shimmer Brick”!
It provides a very natural luminosity when applied to the cheekbones — no chunky disco glitter here! It’s also a versatile product, since the individual rows could be used as eyeshadow as well.
BEST LIPSTICK goes to…
MAC Cosmetics!
As far as the color range, finish options, and sheer beauty, no brand can beat MAC lipsticks. Whether you’re looking for a seductive red lipstick, a neutral pink for work, or a vampy purple, MAC has you covered. Most are comfortable to wear, with incredible lasting power and pigment. I reviewed my MAC pink/nude lipstick collection here and my MAC red/fuschia/berry lipstick collection here.
BEST LIP GLOSS goes to…
Buxom “Full-On Lip Polish”!
This lip gloss comes in 28 unique, high-shine shades. It also provides a tingle to the lips reminiscent of a winter mint. In fact, it is so moisturizing that I always tucked one in my scrubs pocket during 28-hour ICU calls!
That’s all! More reviews coming soon 😀
